Cats star opens up on ‘challenging’ call

GEELONG first-year midfielder Tim Kelly says he's not looking to "rush into" signing a contract extension with the Cats, admitting living away from his family in Western Australia has been "challenging."

Kelly has been a revelation in his first season in the hoops since joining Geelong at Pick 24 in last year's draft.

But the West Australian is yet to extend his contract, which runs until the end of 2019, with Geelong.

"It's just something that we just can't rush into," Kelly said.

"At times it is challenging, I'm not going to lie. There are times where I wish I had my family just round the corner."

Kelly has at times been linked to a return to Western Australia, either in this year's trade period or when his contract runs out next year.

Tim Kelly. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe said he would "love" to have Kelly at the Dockers.

"It's hard to comment on speculation in this situation. I've been through this as well."

The 23-year-old has played every game this season after making his AFL debut in Round 1, averaging 22.4 disposals, 11 contested possessions, 5.9 score involvements, 4.6 clearances and just under a goal a game so far.

That sensational start to his career came at a busy time in his personal life as well.

Kelly and partner Caitlin Miller had twins just weeks after he was drafted, making Kelly a father of three and an AFL player within a relatively short time period.

"It's already amazing I guess just having one baby and then all of a sudden there's two," Kelly said.

"And then all of a sudden I've jumped from being a father of one to a father of three, so it was pretty crazy."

Kelly was drafted off the back of a fine season with the South Fremantle Bulldogs, where he finished second in the WAFL's Sandover Medal.

The midfielder said he'd initially been "starstruck" by some of his teammates and coaches when he arrived at the Cattery.

"Definitely at the start I got star struck - just not only by the big names but just from everyone in general, even the coaches," Kelly said.

"I just remind myself every day, especially, not to get complacent and I really appreciate it for what it is, the opportunity I'm given."